30 Maret 2013

Project 865 Piranha L - 28.2m, W - 4.8m, Displacement - 218 ton surface, 319 ton dived, Speed - 7 kts surfaced, Crew - 3 + 6 (photo : Vitaly V Kuzmin)LANGKAWI (RIA Novosti) – Russian shipbuilders are working on developing new “super mini” submarines, the United Shipbuilding Corporation state holding company said on Friday.USC vice president Igor Zakharov said work on the sea craft is in progress at the St. Petersburg-based Malakhit naval machine manufacturing bureau and that Navy command has been showing interest in the project.Alexander Terenov, an advisor to Malakhit’s general director, said the Project 865 Piranha submersible (NATO reporting name Losos) could go beyond just “hit and run” operations.

“They have a broad range of applications and can carry full-fledged missile and torpedo systems,” Terenov said.Terenov said the Piranha could also be deployed for the protection of naval installations, and would be operated by small crews and cost little to maintain.Piranha is a midget submarine designed for special operations and is almost completely silent. Only two Piranha-class submarines were reportedly ever built in Russia.(RIA Novosti)

29 Maret 2013

MiG-29 Fulcrum (photo : Radzi Desa)RANGOON—Burma’s Union Parliament approved the government’s US $1.15 billion military budget on Friday with an overwhelming majority. More than $600 million will be spent on military hardware, accounting for over half of the controversial budget this year, according to documents obtained by The Irrawaddy.In a joint vote by the Upper House and Lower House in Naypyidaw, 445 parliamentarians voted in support of the proposed military budget, 60 voted for a reduction of the budget and 7 MPs abstained.The budget approval will again make the military by far the largest recipient of public funds, granting it more than one-fifth of the total budget—slightly lower than the amount it was awarded last year.By comparison, this year’s proposed national budget allocates just 4.4 percent of government funds to education and 3.9 percent to health care in the impoverished country, according to opposition MPs.Steven Thar Bate, an MP with the Chin National Party, had proposed a reduction of military spending to 17 percent of the overall national budget, but his proposal was rejected by the Union Parliament, where the military still holds sway.Under the 2008 Constitution, military appointees hold 25 percent of seats in Parliament. Many other MPs with the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party are former members of the armed forces.It is the first time however, that the Ministry of Defense has shared details of its annual military budget.

Nanchang A-5C Fantan (photo : Radzi Desa)The documents show that it will spend about $631.1 million on military hardware, with about $200 million going to aircraft, $93 million on ships, $30 million on military vehicles, $195 million on military accessories, $112 million on military industries and $1.1 million on weapons.The remainder of the budget will go on construction projects, including the building of army bases, roads, military-owned businesses and maintaining military universities and schools.Although it is thought to be a minor decrease on previous budgets, but the size of expenditure – accounting for 21 percent of the total budget – remains controversial.Figures from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute show there are only four other countries that spend over 20 percent of their government budget on defense: Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Singapore.Moreover, the government’s figures may represent only part of military spending. Under the Special Funds Law enacted in March 2011, the military is able to access additional funds without parliamentary oversight. This can include the use of Burma’s abundant natural resources to pay for military hardware purchased abroad.

Chengdu F-7M Airguard (photo : Radzi Desa)A report by IHS Jane’s, a London-based defense consultancy, this week stated: “Both Moscow and Beijing are known to favor military deals based on deliveries of natural gas and such a payment mechanism is likely to have underpinned major recent deals.”Earlier this week opposition MPs criticized the high spending on defense.“The government should use more money for education and health sectors,” said Dr Saw Naing, a senior member of the National League for Democracy from South Okkalapa Township.Another opposition MP from the Upper Hose, who declined to be named, said that officers in Parliament had approached the opposition to support the defense budget.“Some of the military MPs unofficially request us not to reduce budget because it is already the lowest among neighboring countries,” he said. “They also said that reducing military budget will hurt national security. I think what they said is right.”(Irrawady)

PAK FA fifth generation fighter (photo : RIA Novosti)Langkawi (RIA Novosti) - Malaysian Prime Minister was interested in the Russian fifth generation fighter T-50 (PAK FA), said Air Force Commander Viktor Bondarev at the air show LIMA -2013."Development Program for the PAK FA is underway. Yesterday met with Malaysian Prime Minister - he was very interested in the aircraft," - said the commander in chief.Answering the question of when the PAK FA to be delivered to the Russian Army, Bondarev said: "As you know, these new machines are now actively being tested, and in 2016 the first aircraft expected to begin flowing to the troops."Earlier this Airshow deputy director of "Rosoboronexport" Victor Komardin said Royal Malaysian Air Force would be inappropriate to adopt and buy a Russian fifth-generation fighter, but Moscow will continue to advance in this country modernized versions of the Su-30 MKM.(RIA Novosti)

ES-3701 ESM System (photo : ITT Exelis)VAN NUYS, Calif. - ITT Exelis (NYSE: XLS) has been awarded a contract valued at more than $102 million to provide the Electronic Support Measures (ESM) suite for Australia’s ANZAC frigates and the Canberra class LHD ships, enhancing the country’s national defense capabilities throughout the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. With this contract, Exelis continues to extend its leading edge electronic warfare capabilities to international customers.The Exelis ES-3701 ESM system will significantly improve the Royal Australian Navy‘s capability to detect radars from other surface ships and aircraft. It provides situational awareness, targeting, self-protection and surveillance, and utilizes a Windows-based interface for robust, easy-to-use graphical displays. The selection of the ES-3701 also provides commonality with other large warships in Australia’s fleet, as the system is also being deployed on the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD).“This award positions Exelis as the premier supplier of ESM systems in the Asia Pacific region and is a critical milestone in the region’s enhancement of its defenses,” said Rich Sorelle, Exelis corporate vice president and president of the Electronic Systems division.

LHD Canberra at Williamstown Dockyard (photo : tropic maritime)This is the second major contract in recent years to provide electronic warfare systems to the Royal Australian Navy; Exelis was previously awarded the contract for the ESM suite for the AWD program. The work for these key contracts will be performed by the Exelis Electronic Systems, radar, reconnaissance and undersea systems business area from its Morgan Hill, Calif. location. “Our ES-3701 system provides effective mission operations in all weather conditions and against all essential threats,” added Dave Prater, Exelis vice president and general manager of radar, reconnaissance and undersea systems. “It is ideally suited to achieve the operational mission requirements in a dynamic and challenging electronic warfare environment.” For more than 60 years, Exelis has been providing leading edge ESM solutions to navies around the world. These precision monopulse, direction-finding ESM systems are ideal for submarines, surface ships and land-based applications.(ITT Excelis)

MMEA AS365N3 Dauphin (photo : peter de jong)"The agreement is a major milestone for BHICAS, establishing the company as the leading MRO Centre for rotary wing aircraft in Malaysia, thus fulfilling the government’s aspiration to develop local expertise in MRO and strengthening the involvement of the Boustead Group in the aviation industry," he said in a statement today.

RMN AS555SN Fennec (photo : chaity)A joint venture company formed in 2010 between BHIC Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of BHIC, Prestige Pillar Sdn Bhd and Eurocopter Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the main business activity of BHIC AeroServices is the performance of MRO for rotary wing aircraft.

The company has a MRO facility at the Helicopter Centre, Malaysian Aerospace Centre, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Selangor(Business Times)

A thermal imaging system, FLIR, can detect targets which may not be able to be seen with night vision. (photo : NST)With FLIR, Night Turns to DayLANGKAWI: Several government and law enforcement agencies are evaluating a thermal imaging system that can detect targets day or night.

"The bad guys are in for a big surprise. When FLIR is turned on, they will have nowhere to hide.

We see without being seen, and we turn night to day," said Datin Noorshida Mohd Ali, managing director of DNDA Avia Marine Sdn Bhd that markets FLIR Systems in Malaysia.The New Straits Times was given a demonstration of this technology yesterday on board a Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Fast Interceptor Craft at Resorts World, Pantai Cenang.

DNDA's director of training, Commander (R) Syed Noh Syed Abbas, said the system was being evaluated by the Defence Ministry, the police and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency.The MMEA provided one of their Fast Interceptor Boats, outfitted with the SeaFLIR 230 system. It was bolted on to the mast of our boat."The system is utilised in the role of RSTA, (Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Aquisition)."It is designed for all types of weather, like fog and rain. We can also integrate the ships' own systems to work with SeaFLIR, and link it to the vessel's onboard weapons system as well as the its GPS (global positioning system), INS (inertial navigation system) and radar.

SeaFLIR 230 provides crisp stable imagery through total darkness, fog, smoke, and most battlefield obscurants (photos : gs-flir)"We can basically tailor-make our FLIR system to the customers' requirements," said Noh.DNDA's business development director Capt (R) Abdul Kadir Zakaria said the system also comes in man-portable units that are no bigger than some video camcorders, like the FLIR LS series and the higher end FLIR HS."The system is best for specialised police units that need to operate covertly and stay undetected. There are even picatinny mounts to enable the unit to be fitted on weapons."If a person is standing behind a bush, you may not see be able to see him with night vision, but with FLIR, he can be detected immediately."(NewStraitsTimes)

28 Maret 2013

Construction of two frigates project 11661E "Gepard-3.9" for the Vietnamese Navy will be built by Zelenodolsk Shipyard Gorky in Tatarstan. On this, as reported by ITAR-TASS news agency, said the company's CEO Renat Mistahov. According to him, the laying of the first ship in June 2013. Both frigates will be transferred to the customer in 2016 and 2017.Construction of frigates will be carried out under a contract signed in December 2011. Vietnam then bought two frigates. According to the Deputy Director for International Business Zelenodolsk plant Sergei Rudenko, the party patrol will be built with "ASW characteristics."The first two ships of the "Gepard-3.9" Vietnam has purchased in 2006. They were handed over to the customer in 2011. The structure of the Vietnamese Navy patrol were named "Dinh Tien Hoang" and "Ly Thai To." Tonnage of ships of 2.100 tons. Patrol armed with cruise missiles, "Uran", 76.2-mm guns and 30-millimeter gun. In the air group of ships includes one helicopter Ka-28 and Ka-31.(Lenta)

Su-30MKM (photo : keypublishing)LANGKAWI (RIA Novosti) – Russian aircraft maker Sukhoi and the Malaysian Defense Ministry have signed a $100-million contract for the technical maintenance of Malaysia’s fleet of Su-30MKM fighters, said a spokesman for the organizing committee of the LIMA-2013 aerospace exhibition.

The contract covers technical maintenance as well as supplies of spare parts for 18 Russian Su-30MKM fighters that were delivered to Malaysia between 2007 and 2009 under a $900-million contract signed in 2003.In addition to its 18 Su-30MKM Flanker fighters, Malaysia also has 16 MiG-29N Fulcrum fighters in its combat aircraft fleet.

The Su-30MKM is a multi-role Flanker based on the Su-30MKI model and features a customized avionics package built to Malaysian specifications. Su-family fighters constitute the bulk of Russia's arms exports.(RIA Novosti)

Campcopter S-100 during demonstration (photo : UST)Shiebel will demonstrate the capabilities of the CAMCOPTER S-100 Unmanned Aircraft System during flight displays at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition, which takes place in Malaysia from 26th to 30th March 2013.There has been strong interest in the CAMCOPTER S-100 in the region, leading Schiebel to commit to attend the event, in cooperation with their local partner Alaf Strategi, for a second time.In June 2012, the S-100 successfully completed a series of demanding trials for Malaysian Armed Forces and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) representatives. Operated by Alaf Strategi personnel, the S-100 VTOL UAS flew from a makeshift helipad at the beach various missions out to 30 nm in Teluk Batik, Malaysia. Several maritime ISR missions were performed by day and night, including a mission to identify and track several fast-moving MMEA vessels.

Although S-100 is tested on three oceans of the world, on 14 different classes of vessels, each trial is a unique and challenging experience. Hundreds of takeoffs and landings, relative wind speeds up to 40 knots, hovering close above the helicopter deck and automatically following the ship’s movements, with a subsequent smooth touch down and proven automatic decking capabilities, are just a few of the outstanding characteristics of the CAMCOPTER® S-100.

“Operating as part of either single ship or task force operations, the S-100 is a true force multiplier.” said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. “It expands the area of influence, providing high-definition observation, allowing commanders increased decision times for counter action and target engagement. Close collaboration of maritime patrol and unmanned air systems together with satellites, radar- and sensor systems ensure secure traffic across oceans, preventing aggression, detecting piracy, securing coastlines and protecting pipelines.”Zainal Ashraf Awal, CEO of Alaf Strategi Sdn. Bhd. commented, “We are convinced that the world-wide proven CAMCOPTER® S-100 UAS represents the perfect asset for any surveillance mission. The series of regional trials conducted by Alaf Strategi personnel were successful and generated a lot of interest, not only in Malaysia. Our goal is to establish the S-100 as the leading UAS in Malaysia and beyond.”(Unmanned Systems Technology)

27 Maret 2013

DVF 2000 UAV (all photo : cassidian)EADS defence unit Cassidian is offering its DVF 2000 unmanned air system to the Malaysian armed forces, touting the lightweight design's utility in support of land and maritime operations.Developed by France's Survey Copter, the catapult-launched mini-UAS will be on show at the 26-30 March Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace exhibition. The fixed-wing type offers a flight endurance of up to 2h, while carrying a 1kg (2.2lb) electro-optical or infrared camera. Operating range is cited as more than 30km (55nm).

"DVF 2000 provides real-time video and pictures to a mobile ground control station," says Cassidian in a pre-show statement."We are actively pursuing opportunities in the field of sensors and UAVs, for both military and security forces' use," says the company's head of Asia-Pacific, Peter Gutsmiedl.(FlightGlobal)

France dangled Tuesday the possibility of manufacturing its Rafale fighter plane in Malaysia if the nation selected the aircraft as its new combat jet."We are considering an assembly line in Malaysia," said Eric Trappier, chief executive of the Rafale's builder Dassault Aviation, in a telephone interview from the Langkawi air show in northern Malaysia.Malaysia is looking to buy 18 combat fighters to replace its ageing Russian Mig-29s, with the Eurofighter, Boeing's F-18 and Saab's Gripen also in the running.The multi-role Rafale, which entered service in the French military in 2001, can carry out air-ground or air-sea attacks, reconnaissance, aerial interception or nuclear strike missions.France is keen to make its first foreign sale of the Rafale, which has struggled to find buyers, to support a project that has cost tens of billions of euros.India has selected the Rafale, with most of the 126 fighter jets they plan to buy expected to be built there if the final contract is signed this year as hoped.Malaysia is keen for its local companies to be involved in the manufacturing, and Trappier said that Dassault has spent considerable effort in lining up local suppliers should the Rafale be selected.Dassault has already signed deals with Malaysian companies CTRM, Zetro Aerospace and Sapura, he noted.Two Rafales were at the Langkawi air show to provide demonstration flights.(Expatica)

E-2D Advance Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft (photo : Tyler Rogoway)Northrop Grumman and Saab are sizing up the potential to sell airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system aircraft to Malaysia.For the first time since 2005's Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition, Northrop has a booth at the 26-30 March show. The focus of its presence is the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye AEW&C aircraft, with its stand featuring a mock-up of an operator's tactical work station.Tom Trudell, manager of international business development and AEW programmes at Northrop, says the company's presence at this year's LIMA is mainly to get a better feeling of Kuala Lumpur's future AEW&C requirements.

"One goal is to raise general awareness about the E-2D and the capabilities it provides," he says.The US Navy's programme of record for the type is for 75 aircraft, and there is also capacity for international sales, Trudell notes. Four E-2Ds would allow Malaysia to maintain persistent surveillance, he says, adding that this is the same number deployed on board a USN aircraft carrier.Thomas Linden, head of Saab Malaysia, is confident Kuala Lumpur will eventually buy AEW&C aircraft. The company's exhibit at LIMA contains a large model of an AEW&C-roled Embraer EMB-145 twinjet equipped with a Saab Microwave Systems Erieye radar system.Any bid Saab may mount for a prospective Malaysian contest would involve the company's local partner, conglomerate DRB-HICOM, which would be the main beneficiary of any technology-transfer agreement contained within a procurement. Malaysian acquisition rules require that any foreign defence purchase in excess of M$50 million ($16.1 million) includes an offsets package worth 100% of the total contract value.Linden notes the Swedish company has already integrated its Erieye system on a range of airframes, including the Saab 340, Saab 2000 and the EMB-145."We offer a very cost-efficient AEW&C solution," he says. "It provides 80% of the performance at 50% of the price."Linden stopped short of linking an AEW&C deal with Malaysia's stalled competition for 18 multirole combat aircraft. Malaysia's northern neighbour Thailand has already received two Erieye-equipped Saab 340s (one pictured below) as part of a package also containing 12 Saab Gripen fighters.Kuala Lumpur has long been interested in obtaining an AEW&C capability, but industry sources say funding has been a persistent challenge for the requirement.(FlightGlobal)

"I want to emphasise that the report is not true as Malaysia is only interested in buying defence assets," he told a press conference at Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition here today.

An international defence magazine published in March reported that Malaysia will get 24 to 32 Swedish-made Gripen aircraft on lease.

Gripen multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) is currently used by the air force of Sweden, South Africa, Hungary, Czech Republic and Thailand.

Ahmad Zahid said as the buyer, Malaysia has the right to decide the best aircraft for the country and not decided by the defence industry company.

On the upgrading of Nuri helicopter, he said several of the American made Sirkosky would be used by the army.

Asked by reporters whether Nuri would be sold to third countries, Ahmad Zahid did not dismiss the possibility once upgrading was completed.

"Several Nuri may be sold to third countries and the proceeds used to buy more sophisticated assets," he added.(NewStraitsTimes)

26 Maret 2013

F-35B is a short take-off and vertical-landing variant/STOVL aircraft (photo : marinetimes)WASHINGTON: Singapore is expected to announce sometime in the next 10 days that it plans to buy its first squadron --12 planes -- of some 75 of Lockheed Martin's F-35Bs, further bolstering what had been the flagging fortunes of the world's most expensive conventional weapon system.The fact that American allies in the Pacific are the ones committing to the controversial and over-budget aircraft is telling. If you want to understand the calculus driving these choices, first look at China, which to countries such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Australia is the primary long-term threat.The Singaporeans are extremely shy about declaring their intentions in public, eager to offer few chances for China and Malaysia to react, but two sources familiar with the program confirmed the likely announcement. Given Singapore's tiny size its choice of which of the three F-35 versions to buy is not surprising. A plane that can take off almost vertically and can land vertically is able to operate from a much smaller footprint than, say the F-35A (the Air Force version) or F-16 Block 60s. And, given Singapore's geography, the F-35B makes great sense for its ability to operate closely with the US Marines -- as well as with F-35Cs operating from our aircraft carriers.The Singaporeans decision will eventually leave China -- and Russia, still something of a Pacific power -- facing 50 to 100 Australian F-35As, 42 F-35As in Japan, 75Bs in Singapore and however many of the three versions built and fielded by the Untied States are regularly in the Pacific. Then consider the F-35, which offers the first true integrated global supply chain for a major weapon system and offers highly classified capabilities which America had previously not made available to allies.But the underlying reason for the choice of Singapore and the other Pacific countries may be found in the conclusion of these countries about the F-35's effectiveness. One senior official from the region, who has access to the most sensitive classified information about the system, told me recently that the F-35 is "simply undefeatable." And this official said the aircraft is expected to maintain its dominance for at least one quarter of a century.Read Full Version on AOL Defense

The MoU signed today is to broaden and deepen the relationship between the companies which began in 2011 (photo : Airforce Technology)LINKÖPING, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Defence and security company Saab (STO:SAABB) has signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysian company DRB-HICOM. The purpose is to broaden and deepen the relationship between the companies which began in 2011.The agreement between Saab and DRB-HICOM outlines industrial cooperation which will look into areas of technology transfer and bringing expertise to Malaysia among others.“For Saab, the agreement with DRB-HICOM is an important step in order to do further business in Malaysia and surrounding countries”, says Dan-Åke Enstedt, President and CEO of Saab Asia Pacific.The signing of the MoU took place during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2013. Signing on behalf of DRB-HICOM was YBhg Dato’ Sri Haji Mohd Khamil Jamil, Group Managing Director. Dan-Åke Enstedt, President and CEO of Saab Asia Pacific signed the agreement for Saab.In 2011, DRB-HICOM and Saab signed an industrial cooperation teaming agreement to collaborate on an Airborne Early Warning and Control system (AEW&C). The MoU signed today is an added effort to broaden and deepen the existing relationship between both companies.Both parties have agreed to explore the various areas of cooperation that include the design and manufacturing of advanced composite system and components for military and commercial aerospace applications, composite repair technology. In addition to this the agreement also covers UAV systems and technology, system integration of electronic warfare, avionics and other airborne systems.The partnership is based on extensive experience, strength and expertise of both companies. Besides supporting the government's defence programmes with solutions that will enhance Malaysia's operational abilities, it will also create business opportunities for both parties.Saab has a long history of supplying high performance, cost efficient defence systems to the Malaysian Armed Forces. Systems like navy and army radar systems, airborne self-protection systems for helicopters and fighters, naval command and control systems and army support weapons, including anti-tank weapons.Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.DRB-HICOM is one of Malaysia´s leading conglomerate with core business in the Automotive & Defence, Services and Property, Asset & Construction sectors.(BusinessWire)

Malaysia has acquired several ScanEagle UAV (photo : nps)LANGKAWI: WHEN the curtains go up at this year's edition of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition (Lima '13) today, Datuk Seri Najib Razak will likely be reflecting on one thing in particular.

Events in Lahad Datu must surely underscore the value of having a show such as Lima, as well as the Defence Services Asia exhibition, in the region.After Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, credited as the man whose brainchild was the Lima series of exhibitions, Najib is known as the biggest supporter of the biennial show. The prime minister values exhibitions such as Lima and DSA as a catalyst for dialogue between Malaysian and foreign companies.On the back of the incursion by armed gunmen in Sabah, interest from the government in force multipliers, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, surveillance and command and control systems, has ramped up. There's a renewed interest in security systems and "eye-in-the-sky" programmes to ensure the safety and security of the East Malaysia Safe Zone.Companies making such systems are here in force, as are those interested in bidding for Malaysia's multirole combat aircraft (MRCA) replacement programme. This programme, according to industry and ministry insiders, is a little further along the priority list.Apart from this, the show is all set to dazzle as usual, with a small surprise for media members. At the very last minute, the Russian Knights aerobatic team confirmed participation for the air show segment of Lima '13, something that had not been publicised.Flying distinctively liveried Sukhoi Su-27 Flankers (the predecessor of the Su-30MKM Flanker the Royal Malaysian Air Force operates), the Knights have not been back in Langkawi since the 1995 edition of Lima.On Dec 12 that year, while the Flankers were on their way back to Russia from Langkawi, three of the five aircraft crashed into a mountainside while approaching Cam Ranh airfield in Vietnam in adverse weather.

Malaysia requires long endurance maritime patrol aircraft (photo : Airbus Military)Joining the Knights on aerial display will be the Jupiter aerobatics team from Tentera Nasional Indonesia-Angkatan Udara, flying seven Korean Aerospace Industry KT-1B turboprop planes. This is the team's first appearance at Lima.Malaysia's own Krisakti aerobatics team, flying the Extra 300L turboprop, will also put on an aerial display, as are the RMAF's Flankers and MiG-29N Fulcrums.MRCA replacement programme hopefuls -- the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Aviation Rafale, Saab Gripen and Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet -- will impress again, while the massive C-17 Globemaster jet transport, with its short take-off and landing and reversing abilities, is set to wow the crowds in Langkawi for the second time.These aircraft will also be on static display, joined by a range of helicopters and aircraft from the RMAF, Royal Malaysian Navy, Army Air Wing, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, Department of Civil Aviation, police air wing, United States Navy Seventh Fleet, Royal Australian Air Force, Republic of Singapore Air Force, Russian Air Force, AgustaWest-land and Bell Helicopters, among others.On the maritime side, the RMN and MMEA make up the bulk of the 63 boats and ships being exhibited, with the former having 14 such vessels, and the latter showing 29.Leading the way is the navy's Scorpene submarine, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman.Other Malaysian companies are also here with their vessels, with the foreign contingent comprising naval vessels from Thailand, Australia, Singapore, Russia, Bangla-desh, Brunei, Myanmar and Indonesia. Russia and Myanmar are appearing for the first time in the maritime segment of the show.Arguably the most famous of these vessels is the Russian Navy's Marshal Shaposhnikov, a destroyer which was involved in an operation off the coast of Somalia in May 2010 to rescue a Russian tanker hijacked by Somali pirates. In the operation, the crew detained 10 pirates and killed another.(NST)

25 Maret 2013

HTMS Rattanakosin being overflown by a Thai JAS 39D Griffen in the Gulf of Thailand during an Air Defence Exercise of AUSTHAI 2013. (photo : Aus DoD)The Royal Australian Navy, supported by the Royal Australian Air Force, has conducted a highly successful maritime exercise with the Royal Thai Navy, demonstrating yet again how well the two nations can operate effectively together.The Australian Anzac Class Frigate HMAS Parramatta travelled to Thailand in March to conduct Exercise AUSTHAI 2013 with the Royal Thai Navy’s HTM Ships Rattanakosin and Phutthayotfa Chulalok.The three ships were joined by two maritime patrol aircraft: an AP3-C Orion from the Royal Australian Air Force, and a Royal Thai Navy Dornier‑228. The primary aim of the exercise, held in the Gulf of Thailand, was to practice maritime warfare skills and to strengthen naval interoperability, including through the application of maritime patrol aircraft.During the exercise, Parramatta and her Thai counterparts practiced gunnery exercises collectively known as ‘maritime interdiction’, and the Australian crew also demonstrated the Royal Australian Navy’s fire fighting and damage control techniques.

HTMS Rattanakosin, HMAS Parramatta and HTMS Phutthayotfa Chulalok being overflown by a Thai S70B in the Gulf of Thailand during the photex serial of AUSTHAI 2013. (photo : Aus DoD)The exercise had a heavy focus on the conduct of maritime boarding operations, allowing participants to hone boarding skills and discuss mutual lessons learned from deployments to the Middle East.Parramatta’s Commanding Officer, Commander Simon Cannell, said the success of the exercise should give both nations great confidence in their maritime security capabilities.“Exercises like this are extremely important because it’s essential to our mission of maintaining maritime security in this region that we have the ability to work together with all of our South East Asian neighbours,” said Commander Cannel.“Considering the ever-present threat of piracy, boarding skills are particularly important, and I was impressed by how effectively our two nations worked together when we practiced these all-important skills.”The exercise also allowed personnel from both navies to conduct at-sea exchanges between vessels. AUSTHAI 13 was the seventh iteration of the biennial exercise.(Aus DoD)

23 Maret 2013

Spyder SAM (photo : Mindef)Exercise Cope Tiger, a trilateral air exercise conducted by Singapore, Thailand and the United States, came to a close today at Korat Air Base, Thailand. The closing ceremony was officiated by Singapore's Chief of Air Force (Designate), Brigadier-General Hoo Cher Mou; Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong; and Commander of the Pacific Air Forces, General Herbert J. Carlisle.

RSAF F-5 with Dash helmet (photo : Milnuts)The exercise, the 19th in its series, was conducted in two phases. The first phase was a command post exercise, held at the Multinational Operations and Exercises Centre in Changi Naval Base, Singapore, from 11 to 13 December 2012, while the second phase was a flying training exercise, conducted at Korat Air Base from 11 to 22 March 2013.

RSAF CAEW (photo : puwanai)This year's exercise saw the deployment of about 80 aircraft, 36 ground-based air defence systems, and more than 2,000 personnel from the participating nations. The Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) Surface-to-air PYthon-5 and DERby (SPYDER) ground-based air defence system also participated in Exercise Cope Tiger for the first time. The exercise participants also provided basic health and dental services to the local community in the vicinity of Korat Air Base and Chandy Range as part of a two-day joint socio-civic programme.

USAF F-15 (photo : puwanai)RSAF Air Director for Exercise Cope Tiger 2013, Colonel (COL) Benedict Ang, shared his views about the importance of this trilateral air exercise. "We are pleased to train and operate alongside our counterparts from Thailand and the United States in Exercise Cope Tiger.

RTAF F-16 (photo : puwanai)More importantly, the friendship that has developed through this trilateral exercise serves to enhance the defence relationship and interoperability of the three participating nations," said COL Ang.